Congrats Valedictorian & Salutatorian!

James Campbell took the podium at the 2019 North Shore High School Commencement Ceremony while her peers, teachers, family, and friends watched with joy and admiration. He asked, “What, you may say, is this magical element, this special quality that makes North Shore so different? And to that, I’d say it’s the faculty. That’s right, in my time here, I can say that my teachers have been some of the most interesting and remarkable people I’ll ever meet in my life.” James went on to thank many of his teachers by name who “helped to make North Shore what it is.”

Later in his speech, James concluded by saying, “My advice is this: be conscious. What does this mean? It means to think, to be aware, to question, to have an active mind. More than anything, it means to ask “why? Being conscious means having a purpose behind everything you do. It means being relentless about considering your reasons for acting…Consciousness is what makes humanity distinctive in the universe. …The matters of the world are too important to just sit there zoned out with nothing on your mind. If you are going to live your life, live it alive. Always be conscious. It is certainly better than the alternative.”

It is clear from reviewing James Campbell’s extensive list of awards and honors that he has approached every challenge of his high school career with hard work, passion, and dedication. This is reflected in her numerous accomplishments including member of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, National Honor Society, Mathematics Honor Society, and Science Honor Society. He was awarded the AAPT Award for Achievement in Physics.

While his academic accomplishments have been outstanding, James also participated in a myriad of fulfilling activities including being a Peer Leader, he was awarded a Long Island Math Fair Silver Certificate with Distinction, was the President of the Science Bowl and Team, and on the Executive Board of the Key Club. James is also a musician who plays trumpet in the concert band and jazz band and, was a Co-President in the concert band. In addition, he participated in athletics exceling on the Varsity and JV soccer teams as well as the JV basketball team. He will be attending Cornell University in September 2019. Everyone at the North Shore Schools is very proud of his many accomplishments and wishes James Campbell only the very best of luck now and in the future.

Salutatorian, Hanah Leventhal
_“I am chanpuru,” said Hanah Leventhal at the North Shore High School Commencement Ceremony. “This Okinawan word literally mean mixture, but it is also the name of a much loved local dish…I am a mixture of two cultures from opposite sides of the globe: an American father (with Eastern European Heritage) and a mother who emigrated from Okinawa. I am lucky to experience the riches of not one, but two distinct cultures. Being biracial gives me a unique lens through which to view the world. It helps give me the ability to understand the point-of-view of others and have an appreciation for what makes everyone special...”

She concluded by saying, “Each and every one of you has the potential to change the world and together, we WILL change the world. Continue to build your skills; get into the game and make a difference! I am truly excited by the idea that we will all have the chance to make an impact and light the way to a brighter future…”

Hanah is also the receiver of many awards and honors at North Shore including: International Baccalaureate (IB ) Diploma Candidate, National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Advanced Regents Diploma with Honors (mastery in Math and Science), Advanced Placement Scholar, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society (President), National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, National Language Honor Society (Spanish), and Tri-M Music Honor Society. She also received the George Washington University Book Award and Freda Kittleburger Award. She has been involved in Math Research and the Long Island Math Fair and was the first female captain on the Robotics Team.

In addition, Hanah loves music (singing, piano, and cello) as well as art. She has participated in the High School Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra playing the cello. She also sings in the Concert Chorale. She has achieved many recognitions in NYSSMA, NAfME, and LISFA - just to name a few! She also achieved the following Scholastic Art and Writing Awards including the National Silver Medal, Regional Gold Key, and Regional Silver Key. She will be attending Yale University.

Lots of luck to both James Campbell and Hanah Leventhal! We at the North Shore Schools are all so very proud of both students and congratulate them for their dedication, passion, courage, and talent. This is only the beginning and we celebrate you and the entire North Shore High School Class of 2019.